You might say some of the students at Iowa State University were in a school daze when they realized Jeff Grayer, the Cyclones’ anytime leading scorer in basketball, was a classmate. Understand that in Ames, Iowa, Grayer, the former Flint Northwestern star and NBA veteran, is a legend.
And now that he is back working as an assistant coach while he is finishing up his degree (liberal arts), it’s taken ISU fans some getting used too. “It was kind of funny,” explained the soft-spoken Grayer, “the first week or so of classes, I was signing autographs and basketball cards with my classmates”.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Cyclones fans would remember Grayer. He had an unforgettable career, and his jersey (number 44) is retired. Those who watched Grayer play at Northwestern from 1982-84 wouldn’t have been surprised about what he accomplished. The smooth, 6 foot-5 guard is regarded as one of Flint’s finest players. He was a catalyst on the Wildcats’ state championship team in 1984. For his many basketball accomplishments, Grayer earned induction into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame tonight.
“It is quite an honor, particularly when you take into consideration the great athletes that have come from Flint,” Grayer said. “There is not a city in the world the size of Flint that has produced as many great athletes as we have.” “And it’s not just in basketball. It’s football, baseball, track. You name the sport, and Flint has made an impact. I am honored to be part of such a distinguished group of athletes.”
Grayer made the all Big Eight team from 1985-88, led the Cyclones to the Sweet Sixteen in 1986 and is still the school’s all time leading scorer with 2,502 points. He was a member of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team that won a bronze medal in Seoul, South Korea.
After college, Grayer was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick. He played for five NBA teams in a 10 year career. “I’ve been blessed to have such great support over the years,” Grayer said. “There is simply no way I could’ve accomplished the things I did without my family, Mr. (Grover) Kirkland (NW coach), and church.”
Grayer’s relationship with Isiah Thomas, the former owner of the Continental Basketball Association, played an important role in Flint securing a franchise in 2001. Grayer served as coach and president of basketball operations for the Flint Fuze in the 2001-02 season. Last year, when the Fuze moved to Birch Run and became the Great Lakes Storm, Grayer remained as coach.
Grayer’s team struggled for victories, primarily because his top players were being signed to NBA contracts. Even though Grayer’s contract was not renewed, he was pleased with what he accomplished. “That’s the business of basketball”, said Grayer. “I just take the positives of it with me and leave behind the negatives”.
“Stepping in as a coach really opened my eyes. I really enjoyed working with guys. The CBA players are hungry and willing to learn because they want to take the next step. I’m proud that I had some guys do that. College kids are hungry, too. They want to learn, and I think I’ve got the experience and the information that can help them be better players and better people.”
Grayer is excited about being back at ISU, except for one thing, actually four people: Brittney, Jeff Jr., Tiffany and Jane.”I really miss not being able to be with my kids,” Grayer-said.”I miss them a lot. But they are the motivation for me to do the best I can with my life.”
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